Value of US Navy Model 10

[andyffer]

Im trying to help my father value his father's revolver from WWII.
It is a Smith & Wesson Model 10.
I'm not sure if it is a "Victory"
Great condition. The hammer wiggles a little bit, can I get this fixed?
Everything is original.
It does not have the original box, as it was brought back to the US in his hat.
(He could only bring things that could fit in his hat.)

It also has "U.S. Navy" engraved, or I guess stamped, on the side of the barrel.

I will post pictures sometime when I get the chance.
In no way in my mind would I ever think about selling this gun, I am just wondering about value.

 

[XavierBreath]

Please post pictures.

The US Navy commonly issued Victory Models to aviators and SP troops. They are recognized by a V prefix to the serial number on the butt of the gun, usually opposite of the lanyard loop.

The usual Navy marking is "U.S.Navy" across the topstrap. You will find a photo of a genuine Navy Victory Model (although crushed) here to compare that marking with. The West Coast Navy also would occasionally mark their Victory models on the left side of the frame as shown here. Both Navy markings are commonly faked.

I have never seen one marked on the barrel, but that doesn't mean much. Your father's provenance means more. Of course, it wouldn't be the first case of mistaken history on a firearm. That is why photos to help identify it are important.

Value is incumbent on condition. Mint condition Victory Models commonly change hands for $350-400 today, with those showing finish wear ranging around $300. A Navy Victory that has been lettered as authentic can be expected to bring an extra $100 or so on the collector's market over what it would otherwise sell for. Roy Jinks now charges $50 each to letter S&W firearms. In your case, it would definitely be worthwhile.

Do not even consider refinishing this revolver. Keep the finish oiled, and shoot it occasionally if you like. Avoid +P ammunition.

Here are two of my Victory Models to compare your father's to.

 

[andyffer]

Here are some pictures...
Sorry I said it is engraved on the side of the barrel, it really is on the frame, above the cylinder

 

[Walkalong]

Cool gun. I like the Victory models. Fun to shoot and full of history. I only have one and it is nothing special as far as I know, just lots of fun and cool.

 

[XavierBreath]

Hi Andy,

Your revolver is a wartime issue Model of 1905 4th Change Smith & Wesson Military & Police revolver, also known as a Victory Model. It is chambered in .38 Special. The U.S.NAVY stamp on the topstrap appears to be absolutely authentic. Still, a letter from Roy Jinks will be indisputable verification of your revolver's history. His letter will also tell you exactly when it left Smith & Wesson and to which duty station/armory and perhaps even the supply officer it was shipped.

The finish appears to be pristine. Unfortunately, the rust speckles need to be contended with. You should immediately oil the finish on this gun. If you have a good gun oil such as Break Free or Ballistol, use it. If not, any oil other than WD-40 will be fine, including motor oil.

Remove the grips before oiling the gun by loosening the screw and using it to push the opposite grip off the frame. Then push the center of the remaining grip to remove it as well. Do not pry them off. You will find the serial number inside one of the grips.

Do not lossen the screws holding the sideplate on or attempt to remove it unless you know what you are doing and have the correct tools. Damaging the screws will lower the value. Prying off the sideplate will ruin it's fit and likewise lower the value of this revolver.

The pitting on the butt and lanyard loop is a bit of a problem, as is the rust. The rust speckles can be removed, once the gun is oiled and the rust softened with the oil. Use a copper penny to scrape the rust off. The copper will not damage the finish. Do not use anything steel. If you even think about refinishing it, go pick up a ball peen hammer and hit your forehead until the idea has vanished.

If you would like tro replace the pitted lanyard loop, they can still be found in NOS condition. They usually sell for $10-15 each in that shape.

Where I am at, this revolver would bring $400 as it is. Once it is cleaned up, and with a letter from Roy Jinks authenticating it as a Navy Victory, it is a $500 revolver, easily. Over the next decade or two, you can expect the market value of this revolver to increase dramatically.

Assuming the old vet who brought it home is still with us, I would also urge you to record any stories he has of the revolver, including how he brought it home in his hat. Have him sign this, notarize it, and take a good photo of him with the revolver. If you have any photos of him while he was in the Navy, particularly in uniform, get copies to include in the package. What you are holding is a part of history. You don't want that history to be lost.

Congratulations on a beautiful Smith & Wesson Navy Victory Model!

 

[XavierBreath]

Another bit of trivia that you might enjoy is that the US Navy continued to keep the S&W Victory Models in their inventories long after WWII, and continued to issue them when required.

In fact, when I was in the Navy, embarked on the USS Midway, the old Victory Models were still in the ship's inventory. When we sailed to the Persian Gulf for Desert Storm, our F/A-18 pilots were issued the Victory Models. The aviators in my squadron, VFA 151, refused the Victories and ordered a package deal on Glock 17s to carry over Kuwait and the highway of death instead. We also had M1911s in the ship's inventory, but the thinking at the time was that of large capacity and 9mm.

I have little doubt that your Navy Victory is authentic. The pitting on the butt is likely from the sea itself, as these revolvers sat in racks in wooden boxes. The butts were of course, on the bottom of the wooden box. It would not be the first time saltwater soaked through one of those boxes.

The little symbol beside the V on the butt of the gun is a flaming bomb, the US Ordnance proof mark.

Do you know which vessel this revolver is associated with?

You can find more information here.

 

[screechjet1]

Various top strap markings appear on Victories...

U.S. Navy
U.S. Property GHD

Or no markings at all.

A rare variation is marked Property of USMC.

This ISN'T the Marine Corps...rather it is indictative of US Maritime Commission ownership.

ETA: My father USN Patrol Pilot, along with his crew, were issued Victories in 1966, with Tracer ammo only. The self defense weapons on the plane were M1A1 Thompsons, M60s, and M1 Rifles.

 

[RON in PA]

Just to be a nitpicker, it isn't a model 10, it's a Military & Police, Victory model.

 

[TomcatPC]

This Victory Model Revolver in question...was it "liberated" by a crewman from the USS Gabilon when they rescued several TBM Avenger aircrews from VT-34 in Tokyo Bay on 10 July 1945? If it was, then it could have been my Dad's revolver...LOL. He went through three of them during the War. I really hope to have a US version of the S&W "Victory" Model Revolver someday when I have the cash.
Thank You
Mark